Association of food insecurity with psychological disorders: Results of a population-based study among older people in Ghana

Abstract

Objective: Food insecurity has been related to poor health, and the effect may be heightened in later life. This study examines age and gender differences in the association of food insecurity with psychological disorders (PD) in older people in Ghana.

Methods: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions separately examined the associations between food insecurity and PD score using data from the 2016-2017 AgeHeaPsyWel-HeaSeeB Study. PD was assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) whilst food insecurity was assessed with past 30-day hunger (H), breakfast skipping (BS) and time of first daily meal.

Results: Among 1,200 individuals aged ≥50 years, the prevalence of food insecurity indicators of hunger (36%), skipped breakfast (29%) and late intake of first daily meal (5%) were revealed. After full adjustment, moderate (H: β = 0.705, p < 0.001; BS: β = 0.824, p < 0.001) and severe (H: β = 1.813, p < 0.001; BS: β = 1.096, p < 0.001) food insecurity significantly increased PD score compared to no food insecurity. Moreover, having late daily meal was associated with increased the risk of PD (β = 1.035, p < 0.001). These associations were moderated by gender and age (men and 65+ age group had increased risk of PD compared to women and 50-64 age cohorts).

Conclusions: Food insecurity independently increases PD in older people. These findings are relevant for public health and policy interventions aimed at improving mental health of older people.

Keywords: Dietary behavior; Eating disorders; Food insecurity; Older people; Psychological disorders; Skipped breakfast.